About Me

I am the proud mom to 6 kids: Natasha, 24, Nikolai, 20, Reese, 20, Maylee, 14, Erik, 10 and Violet, 7. The kids come from Russia, Ukraine and China; I'm so proud of my family sometimes I think I'll burst and I needed an outlet for it - so I've created this weblog. :o)

One year ago, we were finishing up the formalities of our adoption of Erik! I left Ukraine early, and Mark stayed on (bless his heart!!) to complete everything and bring our new little bugger home.

Last year...

Erik did not make eye contact with anyone for more than a second or so

He did not know his name, either "Seriozha" or "Erik"

He did not know any words, in either language

He could not walk, nor did he have any desire to try

He would not touch toys - he only wanted to look at them

Play? What is THAT?

He could not hear

He could not eat anything that was not thinly pureed

He could only drink out of a bottle

He reportedly slept 14 hours/day

Today, one year later...

He makes great eye contact with people he knows

He knows his name, "Erik", and responds to it

He knows several phrases and words, and is quite obedient!

He walks, though it is still a rather "drunk" walk, but he much prefers walking to scooting

He now initiates play with toys and can entertain himself for hours with toys that he enjoys

He loves classical music and his favorite toys play classical pieces, not to mention how much he loves to sit with his Daddy at the piano!

He had tubes in his ears and, while his hearing isn't perfect, it is functional

He can eat chunks of food now, and is starting to CHEW! (Appetite is huge.)

He can drink out of a sippy cup or a straw

He knows several signs

He sleeps a normal night - and not at all during the days

He knows who his family is and prefers us to others, though he is comfortable with just about anybody

He is a loved and established member of a FAMILY! Thank you, Erik, for joining us and being ours!!

The one thing that we need to work on with diligence is his size. He has not gained ONE POUND in a YEAR and is still 25 pounds at 6 years old. He has had diarrhea for about 3 months now but fecal and blood tests have all come back negative. So we are continuing to work on it. We have big plans for him for this coming year as he is really coming out of his shell and becoming much more alert and aware of stuff, and we know he will progress quickly from now on! We just love this little guy - can you tell??

How blessed Erik is to be in your loving caring family and how wonderful for you all to have that sweet little boy.I have just loved seeing him grow and change this past year through all your pictures.I miss you and I was heartbroken for you over the whole thing. I don't know what happened but I am so sorry.Thinking of you and will send you a private e-mail soon. Hugs to you Rhonda

Amanda stayed tiny and did not grow for over a year too, the docs said her organs and muscles had to catch up before her bones and such would grow, she was so emaciated and neglected. I can report that now after being home 2 years, she is finally growing. I am praying Erik will do the same, he looks so happy.

Thanks for allowing me to read your blog, and I am so sorry you lost the children of your heart, I will continue to pray for them too.

If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap.If you want happiness for a day, go fishing.If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune.If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.- Chinese proverb

It is not the will of your Father that any one of these little ones should perish. Matt. 18:14

Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. Matt. 18:5

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.